This episode, Cydelle is joined by Virtual Assistant & Virtual Assistant Coach, Michelle Eshelman. With over 13 years of experience in Administrative and Customer Service roles, when Michelle learned that she was pregnant with her first son Ryan, in 2020, she decided to put her knowledge and experience to good use by becoming a Virtual Assistant. Her ongoing mission is to help as many people as possible.  Cydelle and Michelle talk about ways to stand out by being organic and not just some cookie cutter VA.  What you will learn in this episode:

• Ways to assert your boundaries from the beginning of a working relationship
• How every role you have prior to becoming a Virtual Assistant provides you with excellent, transferable skills that you can draw on
• Why paid training is beneficial at the start of your VA journey
• How to have a real work life balance as a Virtual Assistant by building a business that works for you
• You never stop learning as a Virtual Assistant

This episode forms part of our VA Diaries series, where we dig into the careers of Virtual Assistants who have made the transition from employed business support roles, to the heady heights of self-employment as a VA, and explore how they found themselves in the online space. Connect with Michelle on IG @outdoor_chell or on Facebook Michelle is offering courses and mini courses to Virtual Assistants who are struggling to get their business off the ground as well as anyone wanting guidance in getting started in the Virtual Assistant world. “Basics 101 Intro to the VA World” is soon to launch. Follow Michelle to find out more. Like it? Please leave a comment, follow the pod, and share! ---------- Virtual Duality is brought to you by FromPAtoVA.com the Global Empowerment Hub from Cydelle Stewart, for Aspiring & Emerging Virtual Assistants (VAs). Visit. Download. Invest. Excel.  Connect with us on IG @FromPAtoVADotCom

This episode, Cydelle is joined by Virtual Assistant & Founder of The VA Lounge, Hayley Hudson. Hayley launched her VA business at the height of the pandemic and has spent the last 2 years building a sustainable offering that kicks entrepreneurs into productivity, in a proactive, dynamic way. Loving every minute of being part of the VA industry, Hayley is a keen advocate that one-size does not fit all, and she’s enjoying trailblazing the virtual world, on her own terms. January 2021 saw her launch The VA Lounge, a supportive, collaborative network that steers fellow VAs and business owners on a similar path.  Cydelle and Hayley discuss the options available for VAs when it comes to growth and how a sustainable business is the key to creating the lifestyle that you really want.

What you will learn in this episode:

• The best ways to transition from employee, to self employed Virtual Assistant
• Why it’s necessary to do a little homework before becoming a VA and what to avoid
• How networking and collaboration over competition with other Virtual Assistants is a great way to build your knowledge, reputation and client base
• How learning new technology can help you to determine your niche

This episode forms part of our VA Diaries series, where we dig into the careers of Virtual Assistants who have made the transition from employed business support roles, to the heady heights of self-employment as a VA, and explore how they found themselves in the online space. Connect with Hayley on her Website, on IG @hudson.admin.support, on LinkedIn or on Facebook Find out more about Hayley’s group The VA Lounge Hayley is hosting The Big VA Meet-up on Thursday 24th March. Find out more via Hayley’s social media channels Like it? Please leave a comment, follow the pod, and share! ---------- Virtual Duality is brought to you by FromPAtoVA.com the Global Empowerment Hub from Cydelle Stewart, for Aspiring & Emerging Virtual Assistants (VAs). Visit. Download. Invest. Excel.  Connect with us on IG @FromPAtoVADotCom

In this episode, Cydelle is joined by Founder & Director of RH Brand Building, Rachel Humphrey. With over 15 years’ PR experience across consumer brands, Rachel builds brands for progressive, digital businesses and develops clear messaging for their unique stance in the market by delivering powerful and thoughtful strategic PR plans for long-term brand credibility that is relevant to inclusive and diverse audiences. Rachel is also an Associate Lecturer at the London College of Fashion, leading sessions on organic demand and often focusing on her expertise in beauty subscription and community building. When Rachel embarked on sourcing a Virtual Assistant, she knew what she needed and looked to a professional to take her and her business to the next level. Rachel and Cydelle talk about all things process. What you will learn in this episode:

• Why a solid infrastructure coupled with clear and consistent processes can help clients to decide that you are the right fit for them and their business
• The broad range of support that a business owner may need from a VA
• How, as a Virtual Assistant, you are integral in shaping a business owners professional and personal life, by increasing your client’s bandwidth
• The benefits of building a relationship with clients through effective communication, rather than simply completing tasks

This episode forms part of our VA Hirer series, where we speak with VA hirers about the ins and outs of what decisions they took to find and onboard the right VA for them. Connect with Rachel on her Website or on IG @rhbrandbuilding Like it? Please leave a comment, follow the pod, and share! ---------- Virtual Duality is brought to you by FromPAtoVA.com the Global Empowerment Hub from Cydelle Stewart, for Aspiring & Emerging Virtual Assistants (VAs). Visit. Download. Invest. Excel.  Connect with us on IG @FromPAtoVADotCom